Becoming a doctor through/with the guard?

November 4th, 2012, 06:21 PM

I have no medical experience other than what I have picked up over the years. I'm only 20 years old, so I have plenty of time to build a career (not to mention my potential and determination). I love to give, and help people in need. I'm already in the process of joining the guard. I still have to take the ASVAB, then figure out what MOS suits me. I'm just looking for as much information as possible on a good career path to become a doctor in/through the guard.

I have no medical experience other than what I have picked up over the years. I'm only 20 years old, so I have plenty of time to build a career (not to mention my potential and determination). I love to give, and help people in need. I'm already in the process of joining the guard. I still have to take the ASVAB, then figure out what MOS suits me. I'm just looking for as much information as possible on a good career path to become a doctor in/through the guard.

Thanks - Josh

How about you start by explaining how you are a 20 year old captain?

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I never knew how offensive a childhood nickname could be to some people.. also I wasn't aware that everyone's name and avatar matched their exact birth name, job title, or rank? Thanks for all your advice staff sergeant! Ass.

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I never knew how offensive a childhood nickname could be to some people.. also I wasn't aware that everyone's name and avatar matched their exact birth name, job title, or rank? Thanks for all your advice staff sergeant! Ass.

It's the avatar that's the issue. You should consider changing it.

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I never knew how offensive a childhood nickname could be to some people.. also I wasn't aware that everyone's name and avatar matched their exact birth name, job title, or rank? Thanks for all your advice staff sergeant! Ass.

OK, since you cleared that up, the next step is to change your avatar...and your attitude. Then, the people with a pleathora of invaluable experience on this forum will help you.

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OK, since you cleared that up, the next step is to change your avatar...and your attitude. Then, the people with a pleathora of invaluable experience on this forum will help you.

I really didn't realize how serious the avatar was until just now, but I have changed it out of respect for you and everyone else who has served for our country. I thought you were trying to be a smart ass toward me after I confided in you with serious questions. I clearly said that I was in the process of getting in to the guard, so I obviously had not attained the rank of a captain or any other. The avatar choice was just to reflect my name. I do apologize.

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Now that all that is cleared up, any advice or tips?
Which MOS would be a good path to aim for?
ASVAB tips, anything? I always try to prepare myself for every possibility.
Some say knowledge is half the battle, but I believe it amounts to much more than half.

Thanks again.

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Now that all that is cleared up, any advice or tips?
Which MOS would be a good path to aim for?
ASVAB tips, anything? I always try to prepare myself for every possibility.
Some say knowledge is half the battle, but I believe it amounts to much more than half.

Thanks again.

There's various ways to become a doctor in the Army. All those routes will probably lead to a direct commission.

The first question I ask is if you are absolutely sure you want to be a doctor in the Guard as opposed to Active Army.

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The Army, or military for that matter doesn't have it's own medical school, and while there are a variety of very generous health services benefits (STRAP, HLRP etc.) for medical students...people don't qualify for those programs until they manage to become bonafide medical students accepted into a medical school.

The enlisted medical MOSs are to an extent limited in the Guard, although Healthcare Specialist isn't uncommon, and can arguably be the most applicable, although not directly. The ASVAB is difficult or easy, dependent on your personal aptitude. If you are considering medical school in the future, I "assume" that the aptitude test won't be that difficult for you. There are both online and in print study guides if you care to obtain one. Your recruiter can give you a pre-asvab test as well.

Don't mind the SSG's avatar grumbling. I would have assumed you were a Captain, which by proxy would give you a certain level of authority when speaking to a wide audience. Frankly, for every person who signs in to browse the forums, countless hundreds read them as guests. We try and give accurate advice that speaks to both the poster and a wider audience. Good luck.

I never knew how offensive a childhood nickname could be to some people.. also I wasn't aware that everyone's name and avatar matched their exact birth name, job title, or rank? Thanks for all your advice staff sergeant! Ass.

It was a fair assumption and it didn't warrant this type of response from you. Consider this a warning.

The first question I ask is if you are absolutely sure you want to be a doctor in the Guard as opposed to Active Army.

I want to be a doctor. Eventually in the civilian world (maybe 5, 10, or 15 years from now). I have a wife and a baby. I refuse to miss out on my child's life any more than I have to for a career (work/school/military). Maybe now you can see why the GUARD is more appealing to me. Active Army isn't completely out of the picture yet.

I appreciate your help so far. Thank you.

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I apologized and changed my avatar before anyone even asked me to, this was childish and unnecessary to co-sign on. That's coming from a child. Just saying. Your cool though, no issues with you buddy, I would really like to hear your experiences with the military. If you're at all interested in sharing. Thanks.